The transition from the Fourth to Fifth Republic represented more than just institutional change—it marked a fundamental shift in French political culture:
Immediate Changes (1958-1962)
The early years saw careful implementation of the new institutions. De Gaulle initially worked within the letter of the Constitution, allowing Parliament significant influence. However, the Algerian crisis continued to test the new system. The President's handling of this crisis, including surviving coup attempts and assassination plots, demonstrated the executive's newfound strength.
The 1962 Turning Point
The constitutional referendum of 1962 marked a watershed moment. De Gaulle proposed that the President be elected by direct universal suffrage rather than by an electoral college. This change, though controversial and arguably unconstitutional in its method of adoption, fundamentally altered the Republic's nature. The President now derived legitimacy directly from the people, making the office the centerpiece of French democracy.
Institutional Consolidation (1962-1969)
With direct election established, the presidency became the dominant institution. De Gaulle's interpretation of presidential powers—the "reserved domain" covering defense and foreign policy—set precedents that his successors would follow. The Prime Minister increasingly became the President's chief of staff rather than an autonomous political leader.